Irish Examiner - 05/12/05
Project is a threat to health and democracy

THE dismay at the decision of the EPA to grant Indaver a licence to operate its proposed incinerator in Ringaskiddy is compounded by the fact that we are not even yet getting the full picture.

The development, as proposed, has the built-in capability to increase its capacity by 100%. Did anyone expect the EPA to overturn a licence that it had granted? And when Indaver looks for a licence to expand this monstrosity, does anyone expect the EPA to do anything other than grant it?

Talk of safe dioxin levels is an insult; there is no such thing and to enter into debate on it is madness. The same goes for the rest of the toxic emissions from incinerators - mercury, heavy metals, and so on.

The location has been highlighted as particularly unsuitable for such a development. The outcome of the planning hearing bears witness to this, even though the EPA chose not to listen to the advice of its own inspector.

This begs the question: why Ringaskiddy? Is it because its harbour location is suitable for importing waste from abroad?

Is it the fact that the residents are already living with high levels of pollution; some more won’t make any difference and the impact on health will be easier to hide. The best method of ‘hiding’ pollution is to generate it in an already polluted environment.

This incinerator must be stopped for the sake of our health, environment and democracy. Despite the assertions of the EPA, Indaver and Environment Minister Dick Roche, incineration is not a solution. It is merely and abdication of responsibility by the State and an opportunity for mega-profits for a multinational company.

John Russell
10a McCurtain Street
Cork